Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. With bold andouille sausage, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant garlic, this skillet meal packs in plenty of flavor without requiring complicated steps. The combination of colorful peppers and savory sausage creates a satisfying balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet that will keep everyone coming back for more.
1. Smoked Sausage And Peppers Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage, cut into thin rounds (between ⅛-inch and ¼-inch thickness)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 small yellow onion, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Heat the skillet: In a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking.
Cook the sausage: Add the andouille sausage slices to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sausage is nicely browned and crispy on the edges.
Remove and set aside: Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Leave any rendered fat in the skillet for added flavor when cooking the vegetables.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add more oil: To the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. If the sausage has released enough fat, you may not need as much oil, so adjust accordingly.
Sauté the peppers and onions: Add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and yellow onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the vegetables to soften and develop a slight char, which enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
Season the vegetables: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add the optional red pepper flakes at this stage.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sausage
Add the garlic: Once the peppers and onions have softened, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it and stir frequently to release its flavor without letting it brown too much.
Return the sausage to the skillet: Add the browned andouille sausage back into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together to combine. Let the sausage and vegetables cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausage to reheat fully.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onion and freshly chopped parsley or basil.
Serve immediately: Serve the Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet hot.
2. Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Use a cast-iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet retains heat well and helps develop a nice char on the sausage and vegetables. This adds flavor and texture to the dish. If you don’t have cast iron, a good-quality non-stick skillet will also work.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the sausage, make sure the slices are in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding the pan can cause the sausage to steam rather than brown, which reduces its flavor and texture.
Slice vegetables evenly: Cutting the peppers and onions into thin, even strips ensures they cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from becoming too soft while others remain undercooked.
3. Variations of Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Cajun Sausage and Peppers: Enhance the flavors by adding Cajun seasoning to the dish. The bold spices pair perfectly with the andouille sausage. Serve over dirty rice or with a side of cornbread for a true Southern-inspired meal.
Sausage and Peppers with Potatoes: For a heartier option, add cubed potatoes to the skillet. Par-cook the potatoes by boiling them for a few minutes or microwaving them until slightly tender before adding them to the skillet with the peppers and onions. The potatoes will soak up the flavors of the sausage, making for a filling and delicious meal.
Italian Sausage and Peppers: Swap the andouille sausage for Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference). This version pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and is great served over pasta or polenta.
Chicken Sausage and Peppers: For a lighter variation, use chicken sausage instead of andouille. Chicken sausage is lower in fat but still packed with flavor. This option works well if you’re looking for a leaner alternative without sacrificing taste.
4. What to Serve with Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Rice: Serve the sausage and peppers over white or brown rice to soak up the delicious juices. The rice helps balance the bold flavors of the sausage and peppers.
Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the sausage and peppers over pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. The pasta will absorb the sauce and complement the smoky sausage perfectly.
Salad: A light, refreshing green salad can help balance the richness of the sausage and peppers. A simple vinaigrette pairs well with the bold flavors of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the dish with roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a colorful, nutrient-packed side.
5. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing: Store any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the sausage and peppers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the skillet method helps maintain the crispy texture of the sausage.
With andouille sausage, sweet bell peppers, and garlic all cooked in one pan, this dish is both satisfying and easy to clean up. Whether served on its own, over rice, or with pasta, this skillet meal is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
